Precut hair color foil and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are precut hair coloring foils and a method of use thereof. The precut foils are thin sheets, particularly of aluminum, are nonrectangular in shape, and may comprise a trapezoidal shape. Fold guides may be included to assist the stylist in folding the foil in different places for varying applications. The unique shape of the foils allows for better coloring of hair resulting in increased time between hair coloring sessions to maintain a desired look.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to beauty products. More specifically, this invention is related to foil used for coloring hair. Even more specifically, the invention is related to a precut foil shape used when coloring haft and a method of using the same.

BACKGROUND

When haft is being colored, it is sometimes desired to color some portions of hair while not coloring other portions of hair; for example when highlighting hair. Often, sheets of foil are used to keep the sections separate. The foil holds the colorant to the hair sections to be colored while preventing the colorant from contacting the portions of hair that are not meant to be colored.

Foil is sometimes provided in rectangular sheets for the convenience of the stylist. For each section of hair to be colored, the stylist will usually retrieve a piece of foil. The hair and colorant are placed in the foil and the foil is folded to seal the colorant in with the hair. The stylist then selects the next section of hair to be colored and repeats this process.

The rectangular foil shapes can sometimes be cumbersome to use and may not be shaped for optimal performance. Existing foils and methods can be difficult to place near the scalp and may not hold well onto the hair. Because of this, the stylist must refrain from coloring close to the scalp or risk bleedback (hair colorant touching hair that is not to be colored, creating undesirable results). Even still, some bleedback is common. Clients must therefore return frequently to the salon to have their hair recolored as the hair grows out. This is inconvenient and expensive for the client.

It would therefore be advantageous to have a foil and method which avoids these and other drawbacks of existing technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hair coloring foil as disclosed herein according to one embodiment may comprise a thin trapezoidal sheet having a scalp edge, an outside edge opposite the scalp edge which is parallel to the scalp edge and longer than the scalp edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The hair coloring foil may be in the shape of an asymmetrical trapezoid or a right trapezoid. One or more fold guides may be included on the foil. These fold guides may be lines printed on the foil, creases in the foil, or perforations in the foil. The fold guides may comprise a long hair fold guide, a retouch fold guide, and a diagonal fold guide.

A hair coloring foil as disclosed herein according to another embodiment may comprise a thin nonrectangular sheet having a scalp edge, an outside edge opposite the scalp edge which is parallel to the scalp edge and longer than the scalp edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge may extend perpendicularly from the scalp edge towards the outside edge, then break perpendicularity flaring outward to the width of the outside edge at which point the first and second side edges continue perpendicularly with the scalp edge to the outside edge. One or more fold guides may be included on the foil. These fold guides may be lines printed on the foil, creases in the foil, or perforations in the foil. The fold guides may comprise a long hair fold guide, a retouch fold guide, and a diagonal fold guide.

A method of coloring hair is also described herein, the method comprising providing a plurality of precut hair coloring foils, each foil comprising a thin nonrectangular aluminum sheet, retrieving a foil from the plurality of foils, applying colorant to the hair, folding the foil tightly against the scalp, and folding at least one of the first and second side edged. Each foil may have a scalp edge, an outside edge opposite the scalp edge which is parallel to the scalp edge and longer than the scalp edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The foils may have an asymmetric trapezoidal shape or a right trapezoidal shape.

The method may further comprise selecting a fold guide from a plurality of fold guides on the foil, selecting a fold guide from the plurality of fold guides, folding the foil according to the selected fold guide to form a first folded edge, and placing the first folded edge near the scalp of a client.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a precut foil shape according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts another precut foil shape according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts yet another precut foil shape according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart of a method of coloring hair according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In existing methods and foil designs, the foil cannot be placed as close to the scalp and the hair is not very well secured. Because preexisting foil shapes and methods cannot be placed close to the scalp, a portion of the roots cannot be covered by the foil. Additionally, preexisting foil shapes and methods do not hold onto the hair very well, causing more of the hair roots to become exposed as the stylist is working. Because of these issues, the stylist cannot color hair close to the scalp without risking the hair color touching parts of the hair that are not supposed to be colored. This is particularly costly and inconvenient for the client because the client needs to return frequently as the hair grows out.

The present invention solves these issues by providing precut foils shapes and methods of use which locks in the hair in the foil significantly better than existing methods using existing foil shapes. This prevents the foil from sliding away from the scalp, which in turn allows the stylist to apply color closer to the scalp while simultaneously reducing or preventing bleedback. The result is better color results and fewer trips to the salon.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a hair coloring foil 100. Hair coloring foil 100 has a trapezoidal shape that is designed to facilitate improved hair coloring. Hair coloring foil 100 may be a 2-dimensional shape made from a sheet of material such as aluminum. Hair coloring foil 100 comprises 4 edges as follows. Scalp edge 102 is the edge which is placed against the scalp first, as explained below with respect the method of use. Opposite of scalp edge 102 is outside edge 104. Outside edge 104 is furthest from the scalp and scalp edge 102 during use. Outside edge 104 is parallel to scalp edge 102 and together they form the parallel sides of the trapezoidal shape of hair coloring foil 100. First side edge 106 runs from scalp edge 102 to outside edge 104. Second side edge 108 also runs from scalp edge 102 to outside edge 104 but on the side opposing first side edge 106. First side edge 106 and second side edge 108 thus form the remaining two sides of the trapezoidal shape of hair coloring foil 100.

Hair coloring foil 100 also has a series of fold guides near scalp edge 102. Fold guides may be lines printed on the foil, a pre-creased section of the foil, or perforations in the foil. The fold guides facilitate folding the foil along different lines. Each fold guide is designed to facilitate a different hair color situation, as explained with reference to each fold guide below.

Long hair fold guide 110 is the most proximal guide to scalp edge 102 and runs approximately parallel to scalp edge 102. Long hair fold guide 110 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 106 to second side edge 108. Due to its proximity to scalp edge 102, long hair fold guide 110 provides the most area on the foil to place the client's hair.

Retouch fold guide 112 is proximal to scalp edge 102 but is further from scalp edge 102 than long hair fold guide 110. Retouch fold guide 112 runs approximately parallel to scalp edge 102. Retouch fold guide 112 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 106 to second side edge 108. Due to its distance to scalp edge 102, retouch fold guide 112 provides less foil area when retouching (coloring near the scalp only) which makes the foil easier to handle and fold.

Diagonal fold guide 114 is proximal to scalp edge 102 but is generally further from scalp edge 102 than long hair fold guide 110 and retouch fold guide 112. Diagonal fold guide 114 is not parallel to scalp edge 102. Diagonal fold guide 114 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 106 to second side edge 108. Diagonal fold guide 114 is further from scalp edge 102 than retouch fold guide 112 at first side edge 106. At second side edge 108, diagonal fold guide 114 intersects retouch fold guide 112, though in other embodiments it may not intersect retouch fold guide 112. Because diagonal fold guide 114 is not parallel with scalp edge 102, it can be used to more easily accommodate hair on the side of the scalp, for example.

In one embodiment of a hair coloring foil 100, scalp edge 102 measures approximately 4 inches, outside edge 104 measures approximately 7.25 inches, first side edge 106 measures approximately 10.25 inches, and second side edge 108 measures approximately 10.5 inches. The distance between scalp edge 102 and outside edge 104 may be 10 inches, which may be the width or multiple thereof of a continuous strip of material from which the precut shapes are formed. Long hair fold guide 110 is spaced approximately ¼ inch from scalp edge 102. Retouch fold guide 112 is spaced approximately 1 inch from scalp edge 102. Diagonal fold guide 114 is spaced approximately 2 inches from scalp edge 102 on first side edge 106 and approximately 1 inch on second side edge 108, intersecting with retouch fold guide 112 at second side edge 108. The angle between outside edge 104 and first side edge 106 may be in the range of 73 to 89 degrees, with a preferred angle of 85 degrees. The angle between outside edge 104 and second side edge 108 may be in the range of 73 to 89 degrees, with a preferred angle of approximately 77 degrees.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a hair coloring foil 200. Hair coloring foil 200 has a right trapezoidal shape that is designed to facilitate improved hair coloring. Hair coloring foil 200 may be a 2-dimensional shape made from a sheet of material such as aluminum. Hair coloring foil 200 comprises 4 edges as follows. Scalp edge 202 is the edge which is placed against the scalp first, as explained below with respect the method of use. Opposite of scalp edge 202 is outside edge 204. Outside edge 204 is furthest from the scalp and scalp edge 202 during use. Outside edge 204 is parallel to scalp edge 202 and together they form the parallel sides of the trapezoidal shape of hair coloring foil 200. First side edge 206 runs from scalp edge 202 to outside edge 204. Second side edge 208 also runs from scalp edge 202 to outside edge 204 but on the side opposing first side edge 206. First side edge 206 and second side edge 208 thus form the remaining two sides of the trapezoidal shape of hair coloring foil 200. First side edge 206 is perpendicular to both scalp edge 202 and outside edge 204. Second side edge 208 is not parallel to first side edge 206, rather, it runs at an angle to first side edge 206.

Hair coloring foil 200 also has a series of fold guides near scalp edge 202. Fold guides may be lines printed on the foil, a pre-creased section of the foil, or perforations in the foil. The fold guides facilitate folding the foil along different lines. Each fold guide is designed to facilitate a different hair color situation, as explained with reference to each fold guide below.

Long hair fold guide 210 is the most proximal guide to scalp edge 202 and runs approximately parallel to scalp edge 202. Long hair fold guide 210 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 206 to second side edge 208. Due to its proximity to scalp edge 202, long hair fold guide 210 provides the most area on the foil to place the client's hair.

Retouch fold guide 212 is proximal to scalp edge 202 but is further from scalp edge 202 than long hair fold guide 210. Retouch fold guide 212 runs approximately parallel to scalp edge 202. Retouch fold guide 212 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 206 to second side edge 208. Due to its distance to scalp edge 202, retouch fold guide 212 provides less foil area when retouching (coloring near the scalp only) which makes the foil easier to handle and fold.

Diagonal fold guide 214 is proximal to scalp edge 202 but is generally further from scalp edge 202 than long hair fold guide 210 and retouch fold guide 212. Diagonal fold guide 214 is not parallel to scalp edge 202. Diagonal fold guide 214 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 206 to second side edge 208. Diagonal fold guide 214 is further from scalp edge 202 than retouch fold guide 212 at first side edge 206. At second side edge 208, diagonal fold guide 214 intersects retouch fold guide 212, though in other embodiments it may not intersect retouch fold guide 212. Because diagonal fold guide 214 is not parallel with scalp edge 202, it can be used to more easily accommodate hair on the side of the scalp, for example.

In one embodiment of a hair coloring foil 200, scalp edge 202 measures approximately 4 inches, outside edge 204 measures approximately 7.25 inches, first side edge 206 measures approximately 10 inches, and second side edge 208 measures approximately 10.5 inches. Long hair fold guide 210 is spaced approximately ¼ inch from scalp edge 202. Retouch fold guide 212 is spaced approximately 1 inch from scalp edge 202. Diagonal fold guide 214 is spaced approximately 2 inches from scalp edge 202 on first side edge 206 and approximately 1 inch on second side edge 208, intersecting with retouch fold guide 212 at second side edge 208.

FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of a hair coloring foil 300. Hair coloring foil 300 has a shape that is designed to facilitate improved hair coloring. Hair coloring foil 300 may be a 2-dimensional shape made from a sheet of material such as aluminum. Hair coloring foil 300 comprises a scalp edge 302 and an outside edge 304. Scalp edge 302 is the edge which is placed against the scalp first, as explained below with respect the method of use. Opposite of scalp edge 302 is outside edge 304. Outside edge 304 is furthest from the scalp and scalp edge 302 during use. Outside edge 304 is parallel to scalp edge 302. First side edge 306 runs from scalp edge 302 to outside edge 304. Second side edge 308 also runs from scalp edge 302 to outside edge 304 but on the side opposing first side edge 306. First side edge 306 and second side edge 308 are symmetrical though a non-symmetrical design is also possible. First and second side edges 306 and 308 extend perpendicular from scalp edge 302 toward outside edge 304. First and second side edges then break perpendicularity with scalp edge 302, flaring outward until the width of outside edge 304 is reached. At this point, first and second side edges again continue perpendicular to scalp edge 302, terminating at outside edge 304.

Hair coloring foil 300 also has a series of fold guides near scalp edge 302. Fold guides may be lines printed on the foil, a pre-creased section of the foil, or perforations in the foil. The fold guides facilitate folding the foil along different lines. Each fold guide is designed to facilitate a different hair color situation, as explained with reference to each fold guide below.

Long hair fold guide 310 is the most proximal guide to scalp edge 302 and runs approximately parallel to scalp edge 302. Long hair fold guide 310 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 306 to second side edge 308. Due to its proximity to scalp edge 302, long hair fold guide 310 provides the most area on the foil to place the client's hair.

Retouch fold guide 312 is proximal to scalp edge 302 but is further from scalp edge 302 than long hair fold guide 310. Retouch fold guide 312 runs approximately parallel to scalp edge 302. Retouch fold guide 312 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 306 to second side edge 308. Due to its distance to scalp edge 302, retouch fold guide 312 provides less foil area when retouching (coloring near the scalp only) which makes the foil easier to handle and fold.

Diagonal fold guide 314 is proximal to scalp edge 302 but is generally further from scalp edge 302 than long hair fold guide 310 and retouch fold guide 312. Diagonal fold guide 314 is not parallel to scalp edge 302. Diagonal fold guide 314 may run partially, mostly, or fully from first side edge 306 to second side edge 308. Diagonal fold guide 314 is further from scalp edge 302 than retouch fold guide 312 at first side edge 306. At second side edge 308, diagonal fold guide 314 intersects retouch fold guide 312, though in other embodiments it may not intersect retouch fold guide 312. Because diagonal fold guide 314 is not parallel with scalp edge 302, it can be used to more easily accommodate hair on the side of the scalp, for example.

In one embodiment of hair coloring foil 300, scalp edge 302 measures approximately 4 inches and outside edge 304 measures approximately 7.25 inches. The distance between scalp edge 302 and outside edge 304 measures 10 inches, which may be the width or multiple thereof of a continuous strip of material from which the precut shapes are formed. Long hair fold guide 310 is spaced approximately ¼ inch from scalp edge 302. Retouch fold guide 312 is spaced approximately 1 inch from scalp edge 302. Diagonal fold guide 314 is spaced approximately 2 inches from scalp edge 302 on first side edge 306 and approximately 1 inch on second side edge 308, intersecting with retouch fold guide 312 at second side edge 308. First side edge 306 and second side edge 308 extend 1 inch from outside edge 304 before turning inward at a 45 degree angle until the width of scalp edge 302 is reached.

A method for coloring hair using nonrectangular precut foil shapes (foils) as described herein is also provided. A plurality of precut foil shapes, such as in a box is provided 402. The foils may be nonrectangular hair coloring foils such as those described herein. The stylist retrieves a foil and decides where to make the initial fold in the foil 404. The decision may involve the stylist choosing which fold guide to use. The stylist then folds the foil at the chosen location 406 and places the foil beside a section of hair to be colored 408. Colorant is applied to the hair 410 as close as desired, including all the way to the scalp and the foil is folded toward the scalp 412 one or more times, with the roots of the hair surrounded on one side by the initial folded edge and on the other side by the folded foil. The first and second edges of the foil are then folded inward to prevent the foil from unfolding, locking the hair inside the foil.

Hair coloring foils as described herein may be made from any number of materials that provide a solid surface which retains hair colorant liquid and prevents the liquid from penetrating the foil and reaching hair not to be colored. Aluminum foil is preferred material for the present invention. The foil may be in any desired thickness, with one embodiment having a thickness of 0.15 mm. The foils may be coated on one or both sides to enhance the properties of the foil or for decoration. In one embodiment, the foil is colored.

The foils may be provided in a container or box that allows the stylist to easily grab successive foils. The foils may be folded or interlaced to “pop up” a new sheet as each sheet is pulled out.

Dimensions and angles used herein are used for examples and are not meant to be limiting. Other dimensions are contemplated. For example, the retouch fold guide may be 1.5″ from the scalp edge.

The discussion herein of the present invention is directed to various embodiments of the invention. The term “invention” is not intended to refer to any particular embodiment or otherwise limit the scope of the disclosure. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to limit that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

Herein, the terms “including,” “consisting of”, and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” The term “or” is used in the inclusive manner. Thus, the phrase “a or b” can me “a” only, “b” only, or “a and b.”

It is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair coloring foil, comprising: a thin trapezoidal sheet having: a scalp edge; an outside edge opposite the scalp edge which is parallel to the scalp edge and longer than the scalp edge; a first side edge; and a second side edge.
 2. The hair coloring foil of claim 1, wherein the foil is in the shape of an asymmetrical trapezoid.
 3. The hair coloring foil of claim 2, wherein the hair coloring foil comprises one or more fold guides.
 4. The hair coloring foil of claim 3, wherein the fold guides comprise: a long hair fold guide near to and parallel with the scalp edge; a retouch fold guide near to and parallel with the scalp edge, the retouch fold guide further from the scalp edge than the long hair fold guide; and a diagonal fold guide which is not parallel to the scalp edge.
 5. The hair coloring foil of claim 4, wherein the fold guides comprise perforations in the foil.
 6. The hair coloring foil of claim 1, wherein the foil is in the shape of a right trapezoid.
 7. The hair coloring foil of claim 6, wherein the hair coloring foil comprises one or more fold guides.
 8. The hair coloring foil of claim 7, wherein the fold guides comprise: a long hair fold guide near to and parallel with the scalp edge; a retouch fold guide near to and parallel with the scalp edge, the retouch fold guide further from the scalp edge than the long hair fold guide; and a diagonal fold guide which is not parallel to the scalp edge.
 9. The hair coloring foil of claim 8, wherein the fold guides comprise perforations in the foil.
 10. A hair coloring foil, comprising: a thin nonrectangular sheet having: a scalp edge; an outside edge opposite the scalp edge which is parallel to the scalp edge and longer than the scalp edge; a first side edge; and a second side edge, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge extend perpendicularly from the scalp edge towards the outside edge, then break perpendicularity flaring outward to the width of the outside edge at which point the first and second side edges continue perpendicularly with the scalp edge to the outside edge.
 11. The hair coloring foil of claim 10, wherein the hair coloring foil comprises one or more fold guides.
 12. The hair coloring foil of claim 11, wherein the fold guides comprise: a long hair fold guide near to and parallel with the scalp edge; a retouch fold guide near to and parallel with the scalp edge, the retouch fold guide further form the scalp edge than the long hair fold guide; and a diagonal fold guide which is not parallel to the scalp edge.
 13. The hair coloring foil of claim 12, wherein the fold guides comprise perforations in the foil.
 14. A method of coloring hair, comprising: providing a plurality of precut hair coloring foils, each foil comprising a thin nonrectangular aluminum sheet having: a scalp edge; an outside edge opposite the scalp edge which is parallel to the scalp edge and longer than the scalp edge; a first side edge; and a second side edge; retrieving a foil from the plurality of foils; applying colorant to the hair; folding the foil tightly against the scalp; and folding at least one of the first and second side edges.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the sheet further comprises: a plurality of fold guides, and wherein the method further comprises: selecting a fold guide from the plurality of fold guides; folding the foil according to the selected fold guide to form a first folded edge; and placing the first folded edge near a scalp of a client.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the foil is in the shape of an asymmetric trapezoid.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the foil is in the shape of a right trapezoid.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the fold guides comprise perforations in the foil.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the fold guides comprise markings printed on the foil.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the fold guides comprise creases in the foil. 